Download K4815 User Manual - Kilpatrick Audio

// K4815 // Pattern Generator
User Manual
Hardware Version D/E
Firmware Version 1.1x
February 16, 2011
Kilpatrick Audio
// K4815 // Pattern Generator
2p
Introduction
Welcome to the wonderful world of the K4815 Pattern Generator. The K4815 is a unique and flexible
way of generating notes, rhythms and modulation voltages or control changes. The user interacts
with the machine to set the patterns using an unconventional method which works well to find new
grooves and musical inspiration. It is a perfect performance tool, a source of notes for jamming, or a
way to creating voltages synchronized to a common clock. This manual will explain the features and
operation of the unit. Please check for updates to the documentation and firmware often as new
features may be added at users' request. We continually strive to advance our products for your
benefit and enjoyment.
Features
•
•
Eurorack form factor with 20HP width
Musical note, control and clock signals generated using unique methods
•
•
64 LED (8x8) multi-brightness grid to show patterns and status
Clock control via internal clock, or external MIDI or analog clock
•
•
Clock, Direction and Reset inputs (0V / 5V = off / on)
CV/GATE or X/Y analog outputs (-5V to +5V range)
•
•
•
CV is 1V/octave – 10 octave range
GATE is 0V or 5V
X/Y outputs are -2.5V to +2.5V (can be shifted beyond this range)
•
•
•
•
Internal MIDI header compatible with other Kilpatrick Audio MIDI modules
MIDI implementation with send/receive capability for full MIDI integration
Only 30mm deep (including ribbon cables)
Requires +12V (80mA) and -12V (less than 10mA) – 16 pin Doepfer-style power connection
required (included)
User Manual
Hardware Version D/E
Firmware Version 1.1x
February 16, 2011
© 2010 Kilpatrick Audio
// K4815 // Pattern Generator
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Installation and Setup
When installing the K4815 in your modular system, pay close attention to the pinout and direction of
the 16-pin power input cable. The K4815 contains protection against reverse connection, but please
double-check the cable before switching on the unit. The warranty does not cover damage caused by
wrong installation.
Note:
Original K4815 modules required +5V in addition to +/-12V. Serial numbers 1009501 and higher
only require +/-12V. If you have an older model and wish to have it upgrade free of charge,
(parts and labour only) please contact Kilpatrick Audio directly for more information.
The K4815 Pattern Generator supports both MIDI and control voltage/gate/clock signals. To use the
MIDI function requires the use of a MIDI adaptor such as the K1600 MIDI Converter. But the K4815 can
be used by itself without any MIDI devices by using the analog inputs and outputs. If you are using the
module with another MIDI device using the internal MIDI cable, connect a 10 pin ribbon cable between
the two units. In this case also observe the correct cable direction.
Warning: DO NOT plug the MIDI cable into the power port, or vice versa.
User Manual
Hardware Version D/E
Firmware Version 1.1x
February 16, 2011
© 2010 Kilpatrick Audio
// K4815 // Pattern Generator
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Physical Installation
You should install the unit in your modular system using all four screw holes. The unit is designed to
be mounted properly to avoid damage to the internal parts when plugging or unplugging cables, or
adjusting the controls.
Connection Warnings
The CLOCK IN, DIR IN and RESET IN are designed for 0V (off) and +5-10V. (on) Any voltage over
approx. +2V should enable each input. The inputs are tolerant (ver. D and later only) of any voltage
from -12V to +12V so you can safely input LFOs and other AC signals.
The CV/X and GATE/Y outputs are analog outputs driven by amplifiers. They have a low output
impedance and thus should not be driven by external sources. Please use them as outputs only, and
mix them using proper buffered mixing circuits and not by passive multiples or Y-cords. They are
short-circuit protected but may be damaged by the external input of voltages. Do not short the
outputs or connect them to any other source of voltage!
First Use
Connect the CV and gate outputs to a VCO CV input and an envelope generator gate input and let's
make some sound! The K4815 has a built-in clock generator so you can create patterns without any
external clock source. Flip the INT/EXT switch up to use the internal clock mode. If no external clock
is supplied, the CLOCK INT/EXT switch acts as a start/stop control. The CLOCK SPEED control affects
the tempo when in internal clock mode. The CLOCK LED pulsates once per beat. Note that in internal
clock mode, the notes operate at 4x the clock rate. (16th notes) In the external mode this is
adjustable, as you will see later. Make sure the CV/GATE / X/Y switch is up. (CV/GATE mode)
Choose a motion type by turning the MOTION TYPE knob. This selects the motion of the playback ball.
Turn up the MOTION LENGTH knob to maximum to play every step in the motion sequence. Adjust the
pattern type with the PATTERN TYPE knob to select where notes will play. You should hear notes being
generated as the playback ball lands on active notes on the grid. Using the MAJ / MIN and LARGE /
SMALL switches, you can choose from major or minor tonalities, as well as large and small output
spans. The GATE TIME knob affects how long each note plays, and the MOTION LENGTH knob affects
how many of the up to 64 steps in each motion sequence will play before repeating.
Play around with the controls and hear some of the different possibilities. The next section will cover
each control in more detail, as well as a more overall discussion of how the K4815 makes patterns
based on the settings that you have selected.
User Manual
Hardware Version D/E
Firmware Version 1.1x
February 16, 2011
© 2010 Kilpatrick Audio
// K4815 // Pattern Generator
7p
Advanced Operation
To provide more in-depth detail of the controls and how to make the most of the machine, this section
goes into detail on each aspect of the system.
Internal Clocking and Timing
Using External Clock
The machine uses a 24ppq internal timebase. The clock can be supplied by MIDI timing ticks, by an
analog (+5V or greater) clock input signal, or by the internal clock generator. The analog clock
triggers on the rising edge and can support clock rates up to approx. 100pps. (250bpm) Each clock
pulse input accounts for 1/24th of a beat. When using external clock mode you can adjust how many
clock pulses are required to advance the pattern one step. These are set by the CLOCK SPEED pot and
range from 1-24 pulses per step. The supported divisions allow: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 or 24 notes per beat.
(24 ticks) The division is only changed at the end of a beat (24 internal counts] to prevent jumpy
behaviour.
When external clocks are input either by MIDI or by the analog clock input, MIDI clock pulses are
transmitted on the internal MIDI header. In this way you can convert analog clock signals to MIDI
signals.
Note: Using MIDI and analog clock at the same time may produce undesired results.
To prevent stuck notes in the case of external clock loss, playing notes are automatically killed if no
clock signals are received for 5 seconds. This means that extremely slow tempos of less than 0.5bpm
are not supported. (You might require caffeine if this is the tempo of your piece!)
Using Internal Clock
When using the internal clock mode, the CLOCK SPEED pot sets the tempo. In this mode the pattern
always advances four steps per beat. (16th notes) The tempo generated by the internal clock can
range from approx. 19 to 400bpm. When using the internal clock mode, MIDI clock is automatically
transmitted. If the CLOCK SPEED pot is turned all the way down the clock will be stopped.
Clock LED
The clock LED will pulse for a short time at the beginning of every beat. (every 24 clock ticks)
GATE TIME Control
When notes are played, the GATE TIME control affects how long the notes will play. When in the
minimum setting, the note will play for 1 internal clock tick. At the maximum setting, the note can
play for more than two full beats. Note that this control scales automatically with the tempo. Some
synthesizer patches might be barely audible if the gate time is short and the tempo is high.
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// K4815 // Pattern Generator
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FWD/REV Control and DIR Input
While any motion is playing, the direction can be reversed by adjusting the FWD/REV switch. It can
also be reversed by an external voltage. If +5V or greater is placed on the DIR IN jack, the current
direction of the pattern will be reversed. The direction can also be changed by using the MIDI CC #64.
(damper pedal) When the damper is pressed down, the direction will be reversed.
RESET Control and Input
You can reset the playback position of a motion at any time by pressing on the MOTION TYPE knob. You
can also reset the playback position by inputting a +5V or greater signal on the RESET IN jack. Note
that the position is reset only once each time the knob is pressed or the RESET IN input goes high.
This works even when the clock is stopped. The next note to play after resetting when the clock
resumes will be the first note in the pattern. This is similar to the "reset to 16th note" on some
sequencers, however in this case the effect is the same without requiring any special settings.
Output Mode via the CV/GATE / X/Y Switch
Normally the CV/GATE / X/Y switch is in the CV/GATE mode (up). In this mode notes are generated as
CV and GATE on the output jacks, and MIDI note messages are sent on the MIDI bus. In the X/Y mode
(down), the CV and GATE jacks output signals which are related to the absolute playback ball position
on the LED matrix. This can be used for modulation or other uses of varying voltages. The X output
sends the horizontal position and the Y output sends the vertical position. The MIDI output sends
continuous controller (CC) messages for the X and Y positions also. These are shown in the MIDI
Implementation section of the manual. Note that the outputs in X/Y mode are stepped and if you want
continually varying voltages you will need to pass them through a glide processor.
MAJ/MIN and LARGE/SMALL Switches
The underlying notes which are used for playback are selected with the MAJ/MIN and LARGE/SMALL
switches. As the melodic and rhythmic patterns are based on a wide variety of patterns and motions,
the underlying notes are kept purposefully simple. The MAJ/MIN switch chooses major (up) or minor
(down) scales. The minor scale used is the Dorian minor scale. The LARGE/SMALL switch affects how
many octaves are mapped onto the grid. In the small mode (down) there are two octaves. In the large
mode (up) there are four octaves.
In the X/Y output mode the LARGE/SMALL control affects the size of the output signal. Either small
(down) or large (up) range of control. Experiment with the outputs on either analog or MIDI to see how
this affects your other equipment. The MAJ/MIN switch inverts both the X and Y signals in case you
wish to have an opposite voltage output.
Major Scale
The major scale spans from C to C without any output offset applied. Notes are mapped from left to
right on each row. Every column has the same notes, but different octaves depending on the setting
on the LARGE/SMALL switch.
User Manual
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© 2010 Kilpatrick Audio
// K4815 // Pattern Generator
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Minor Scale
The minor scale spans from C to C without any output offset applied. The Dorian minor is used. (minor
3rd, natural 6th and minor 7th) Every column has the same notes, but different octaves depending on
the setting on the LARGE/SMALL switch.
Large Span
In the large span mode, four octaves are used. These go from low on the top row, to high in the fourth
row. The scales then repeat on the lower half of the grid.
Small Span
In the small span mode, two octaves are used. The lower octave is on rows 1, 3, 5 and 7. The higher
octave is on rows 2, 4, 6 and 8.
Scale Mapping (All Modes)
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
OUTPUT OFFSET Control
In CV/GATE mode, the OUTPUT OFFSET control affects the transposition of the note outputs on CV and
MIDI. You can shift the notes up or down by semitones. A full 10 octave range is possible.
In X/Y mode, the OUTPUT OFFSET control affects the DC offset of the X and Y signals. You can use this
control to get the varying signal into the right range for your equipment. The span of the X/Y output is
-2.5V to +2.5V, so you can shift this up and down. The MIDI CC output of the X/Y signal is always the
full 7 bit MIDI controller value range, however the offset control adjusts the start point, which wraps
User Manual
Hardware Version D/E
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© 2010 Kilpatrick Audio
// K4815 // Pattern Generator
10p
around at the ends.
PATTERN TYPE Control
The PATTERN TYPE control selects from one of 32 internal patterns which display on the background
of the LED matrix and determine which of the underlying scale notes will play when the playback ball
lands on them. There is a range of geometric and other special patterns to choose from, all of which
provide different kinds of notes and rhythms depending on the motion type used. There is also a
pattern with every note enabled which may be useful for testing and hearing different motion patterns
and scales in their entirety.
MOTION TYPE Control
The MOTION TYPE control affects how the playback ball moves around on the display. Each motion
type can have up to 64 steps. Each of these steps can land on any position on the grid, and positions
can be visited twice, so quite complex motions are possible, not just sequential patterns. There are 64
motion types which are selected by using the MOTION TYPE control. Pressing on the control resets
the motion playback position to the first step.
When you change motion types, the selected motion is shown on the display briefly in the form of two
intersecting lines. The horizontal line represents the row, and the vertical line represents the motion
number from 1-8 along that row. This allows all 64 motions to be shown by the intersection of two
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// K4815 // Pattern Generator
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lines on the grid.
The MOTION TYPE can also be set via MIDI program change. Patches 1-64 select the 64 motions
available from the front panel of the machine. Patches 65-128 select the same patches but in "key
trigger" mode, meaning that the motion will only play when MIDI note messages are received (keys
pressed) on a MIDI keyboard. This allows the machine to work as an auto-arpeggiator.
There are some special motion types which are not pre-programmed, but instead are set randomly.
These allow either continually changing random motions, or random motions which are seeded each
time the motion is selected, so that repetition of the motion is possible.
Preset Motions
Preset motions are available from patches 1-48. These are hand-generated by several collaborators
and contain simple linear motions, as well as more complex motions. Motions are up to 64 steps long,
but some are less than this based on the particular design concept. Some are visually designed and
others are musically designed, taking into account the underlying scale notes to create melodic and
arpeggiating patterns.
Random Motions
In addition to the 48 preset motions, there are also 16 random motion types in locations 49-64. These
are algorithmically created in real-time using a pseudo-random number generator. There are two
random motion types with up to eight variations possible for each. See the list below for the variation
types.
•
Seeded Random – All 64 possible steps are seeded with random values once. Subsequent
playback causes the same motion to be repeated.
•
Totally Random – Each motion step is generated new every time. This creates a constantly
changing random sequence.
User Manual
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// K4815 // Pattern Generator
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Motion List
1 - Sequential left to right and top to bottom.
2 - Sequential top to bottom and left to right.
3 - Sequential zig zag left/right from top to bottom.
4 - Sequential zig-zag up/down and from left to right.
5 - Jumping from the start.
6 - Crazier jumping from the start.
7 - Spiral
8 - Diagonal zig-zag from bottom left corner.
9 - Skipping zig-zag from bottom right corner.
10 - Up and down triads.
11 - Octave jumping 5ths.
12 - Octave jumping wiggly worm.
13 - Octave jumping rows of four.
14 - Wiggles in different directions.
15 - Preset scatter 1.
16 - Preset scatter 2.
17 - Preset scatter 3.
18 - Ping-pong horizontal mirror reflection.
19 - Cat.
20 - Hanon.
21 - Diagonal zig-zag from bottom right corner.
22 - Diagonal zig-zag ping-pong from bottom right corner.
23 - X circle
24 - Stars.
25 - Ropes and knots.
26 - Squares of different sizes.
27 - Hurricane shape.
28 - C-E-G Triad
29 - D-F-A Triad
30 - C-E-G-B Triad
31 - D-F-A-C Triad
32 - C-E-G-C Triads Up/Down
33 - E-C-C-G Triads
34 - F-D-A Triads
35 - The Sound of Five
36 - Slither
37 - Mini Slither
38 - Mini Slither 2
39 - Crossing Over
40 - Groove 1
41 - Groove 2
42 - Groove 3
43 - Groove 4
44 - Groove 5
45 - Groove 6
46 - Groove 7
47 - Groove 8
48 - Groove 9
49 - Seeded Random - Seconds
50 - Seeded Random - Thirds
51 - Seeded Random - Fifths
52 - Seeded Random - Row 1
53 - Seeded Random - Rows 1 and 2
54 - Seeded Random - 1, 2, 3 and 4
55 - Seeded Random - 1, 2, 5 and 6
56 - Seeded Random - All Notes
57 - Totally Random - Seconds
58 - Totally Random - Thirds
59 - Totally Random - Fifths
60 - Totally Random - Row 1
61 - Totally Random - Rows 1 and 2
62 - Totally Random - 1, 2, 3 and 4
63 - Totally Random - 1, 2, 5 and 6
64 - Totally Random - All Notes
MOTION LENGTH Control
Each motion type can have up to 64 steps. But it can sound interesting to play fewer steps. By turning
down the MOTION LENGTH control you can play from 1-64 of the total steps in the motion. The
motions will repeat once the end of the motion (or the current length setting) is reached.
User Manual
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// K4815 // Pattern Generator
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MIDI Implementation
In addition to analog interfaces available from the front panel, the K4815 fully supports MIDI and
provides a number of useful functions that are not available on the front panel. It also provides a
useful MIDI clock output which can be used as either a stand-alone MIDI clock generator, or as an
analog (5V) clock to MIDI converter.
It also provides clock input via MIDI clock, which can be used instead of the analog clock input.
Control change and note outputs are supported, as well as note and controller input for transposing
the pattern, using key trigger playback mode, and reversing the direction of playback.
MIDI Hardware Interface
On the back of the K4815 PCB is a 10 pin header labelled as MIDI/TEST. It contains MIDI TX and RX
signals, +5V output, as well as a test pin which places the machine in test mode when jumpered to
ground. You can access the MIDI signals via a compatible Kilpatrick Audio MIDI module, or by building
your own MIDI interface to attach to the 10 pin connector. Since power is supplied, you can use a
single cable to connect a simple MIDI interface, with no main power supply connection required. Note
that the signals on the MIDI header are 5V TTL signals and cannot be interfaced directly to MIDI
cables without some simple circuitry. Please see the Kilpatrick Audio website for free information
about building your own MIDI interface.
MIDI Clock Support
By sending MIDI clock to the machine while it is in external clock mode, it is possible to synchronize
the machine to an external MIDI sequencer or other clock source. The input is divided by the CLOCK
SPEED control just as with an analog clock input.
When running in any clock mode, MIDI clock is sent to the MIDI output. This means that the machine
can be used as a MIDI clock generator (internal clock), or an analog to MIDI clock converter.
MIDI Program Change
The 64 motion types can be selected by a MIDI program change command received by the machine.
Programs 1-64 correspond to the 64 patterns selectable by the MOTION TYPE control. Programs 65128 correspond to the same 64 patterns, except that keyboard trigger mode is enabled. Keyboard
trigger mode allows the playback of a motion to be started when a key is pressed, to use the K4815 as
a sort of auto-arpeggiator.
MIDI Note Support
When in CV/GATE output mode, MIDI notes corresponding to the ones being sent from the CV and gate
outputs will be sent. The note length and transposition are the same as the analog outputs.
Notes received by the machine from an external MIDI keyboard will transpose the currently playing
notes. Middle C is treated as the default transposition. Any notes higher or lower will shift the note
User Manual
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// K4815 // Pattern Generator
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playback by the corresponding number of semitones away from middle C.
When one of the patches from 65-128 are selected, notes received by the K4815 will trigger the start
of playback at the beginning of the motion sequence. If you play legato, the notes will be transposed,
but the motion will continue playing through to the end before repeating. If you play staccato, the
motion will restart from the beginning for each note.
MIDI Controller Change
While in X/Y output mode, instead of transmitting MIDI notes, continuous controller messages will be
sent. Controllers 16 and 17 correspond to the X and Y values of the playback ball respectively. The
LARGE/SMALL switch affects the size of the output, and the MAJ/MIN affects the polarity of the
output voltages.
When MIDI controller 64 (damper pedal) is received the current playback direction is reversed just as
with the analog DIR input.
MIDI SYSEX Messages
A series of SYSEX messages are used for software updating and loading new motions, patterns and
scales. Currently this requires software from Kilpatrick Audio and will be sent to owners of the K4815
who request additional or different features or require bug fixes. Please contact Kilpatrick Audio for
more information if you would like to experiment with this feature.
User Manual
Hardware Version D/E
Firmware Version 1.1x
February 16, 2011
© 2010 Kilpatrick Audio
// K4815 // Pattern Generator
15p
Internal Connector Pinouts
To assist in making correct connections, and to aid in the creation of compatible adaptor circuits, the
internal pin headers are documented here. Please note that X8 is a factory setup connector only and
should not be used. Both X6 and X7 connectors are 0.100" pitch pin headers. Standard IDC ribbon
cables can be connected.
X7 – MIDI/Test Connector:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
GND
GND
GND
GND
TEST (ground to activate)
MIDI RX (input)
N/C
MIDI TX (output)
+5V output (100mA max.)
+5V output (100mA max.)
Notes:
• MIDI RX and TX use 5V TTL signal
levels. External MIDI interface
circuitry is required.
•
MIDI RX is internally terminated to
+5V with a 10K resistor.
X6 – Power:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
-12V input
-12V input
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
+12V input
+12V input
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
N/C
Support and Additional Information
Please contact Kilpatrick Audio with additional questions about the K4815 Pattern Generator. We will
do our best to help you make the most of your Pattern Generator and welcome your suggestions as to
software improvements or ideas for features on new products. Contact: [email protected]
User Manual
Hardware Version D/E
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© 2010 Kilpatrick Audio
// K4815 // Pattern Generator
K4815 Pattern Generator
Function
MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART ver.1.0
16p
2010-05-14
Transmitted
Recognized
Remarks
1 (default)
1-16 (configured)
1 (default)
1-16 (configured)
Use TEST mode to set
the MIDI RX channel.
X
X
X
X
X
X
0-127
0-127
O
O
O
O
O
O
Echoed from input
Pitch Bend
O
O
Echoed from input
Control Change
O
O
16 = X output
17 = Y output
64 = DIR input
Prog
Change True #
X
0-127
0-63 / 0-63
Upper bank has "key
trigger" enabled.
System Exclusive
O
O
During bootup for software
update only.
System
Common
Song Position
Song Select
Tune Request
O
X
X
O
X
X
System
Realtime
Clock
Commands
O
O
O
X
Aux
Messages
Local On/Off
All Notes Off
Active Sensing
System Reset
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Basic
Default
Channel Changed
Mode
Default
Messages
Altered
Note Number
Velocity
After
Touch
Keys
Ch's
MIDI clock timeout is 5 seconds.
Notes
Software update specification available upon request. Implemented by Kilpatrick
Audio update software as supplied to customers.
User Manual
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© 2010 Kilpatrick Audio